Abuse of prescription medicine may lead more teens to addiction and crime

By Staff Writer

Research reveals that the prescription medicine Percocet has become the new pill of choice among teens. Experts told the Bridgewater Independent that it could lead children down a path of addiction and crime.

Analysts say that tougher laws and increased awareness of OxyCotin use has teens replacing the prescription medicine with the painkiller Percocet. The misuse of pain relievers is the fastest growing trend on the drug scene, one expert said.

Painkillers like Percocet and OxyCotin contain a highly addictive ingredient called opiate oxycodone. Analysts say that children who take these substances are playing a game of chance because susceptibility to addiction differs from one person to the next.

Lawmakers across the country are proposing new legislation to combat the epidemic. For instance, in Massachusetts, laws prevent people from "doctor shopping" for prescription drugs.

Furthermore, addictive painkillers like Percocet and morphine are being monitored by the Office of Diversion Control through the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This database compiles information on state residents who are prescribed controlled substances.

Prescription drug abuse by teens exceeds marijuana use, according to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health.